But the man who walketh straight, and the house thereof, tho' Fate
Exalt him, the children shall be fair.
(It is Sin, it is Pride and Ruthlessness, that beget children like themselves till Justice is fulfilled upon them.)
But Old Sin loves, when comes the hour again,
To bring forth New,
Which laugheth lusty amid the tears of men;
Yea, and Unruth, his comrade, wherewith none
May plead nor strive, which dareth on and on,
Knowing not fear nor any holy thing;
Two fires of darkness in a house, born true,
Like to their ancient spring.
But Justice shineth in a house low-wrought
With smoke-stained wall,
And honoureth him who filleth his own lot;
But the unclean hand upon the golden stair
With eyes averse she flieth, seeking where
Things innocent are; and, recking not the power
Of wealth by man misgloried, guideth all
To her own destined hour.
[Here amid a great procession enter Agamemnon on a Chariot. Behind him on another Chariot is Cassandra. The Chorus approach and make obeisance. Some of Agamemnon's men have on their shields a White Horse, some a Lion. Their arms are rich and partly barbaric.
Leader.
All hail, O King! Hail, Atreus' Son!
Sacker of Cities! Ilion's bane!
